Taiwan's military strategy emphasizes long-range deterrence amid cross-strait tensions
Original framing: “‘Deny, delay, degrade’: Taiwan unveils long-range strategy to hold off PLA in strait” — South China Morning Post
Taiwan’s military strategy echoes Cold War-era deterrence models, particularly the U.S. approach to containing Soviet expansion. The current situation reflects a continuation of post-1949 dynamics, where Taiwan’s security is tied to U.S. strategic interests.
Taiwan’s long-range deterrence strategy is a product of deep historical patterns of U.S.-China rivalry and Cold War-era security paradigms.
While it addresses immediate military concerns, it risks reinforcing a zero-sum mindset that overlooks indigenous and civil society perspectives. Cross-cultural traditions in East Asia emphasize harmony and non-aggression, suggesting alternative pathways to stability. A more systemic approach would integrate economic interdependence, multilateral diplomacy, and inclusive security planning to reduce the likelihood of conflict. Future modeling indicates that a diversified strategy combining cyber resilience, economic cooperation, and regional dialogue could provide a more sustainable and equitable framework for cross-strait relations.